By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Nov. 1 -- ChevronTexaco Corp. said Thursday it has begun oil production from the deepwater Kuito field Phase 1C development off Angola on Block 14.
The new phase added more than 30,000 b/d, bringing Kuito output to 85,000 b/d. Production in 2002 is expected to average 66,000 b/d.
Peter Robertson, president of ChevronTexaco Overseas Petroleum, said, "The Kuito field development is but one of a number of exciting deepwater projects now taking place in Block 14."
Robertson noted that engineering, procurement, construction, and installation bid packages are being finalized for Benguela and Belize fields. He also said reservoir and development studies are under way for the recently discovered Lobito and Tombua oil fields.
John Gass, managing director of Cabinda Gulf Oil Co. Ltd., said Kuito already has produced more than 39 million bbl.
"Kuito's phased approach has minimized the project cycle time while narrowing subsurface uncertainties associated with any new field development. The initial phases provided valuable production and operational data to optimize subsequent well locations and support facility enhancement decisions," he said.
Gass also noted that a number of components (subsea manifold, midwater arches, and gravity bases) for Kuito Phase 1C were manufactured in Angola.
Cabinda Gulf operates Block 14 with a 31% interest. Partners are Sonangol, Agip Angola Exploration BV, and TotalFinaElf E&P Angola with 20% each; and Petrogal Exploracao with 9%.
